Rocky admits that at first he had worries and concerns about raising a child with special needs, but these concerns quickly dissolved. He tells us “The joy that comes when you sacrifice for other people and other things…It helps you to focus on the things that really matter in this life and to take joy in the simple things that we often take for granted.”
Janalen and Rocky were shocked to learn their first child was born with cystic fibrosis. Little did they know, their life with children who have disabilities was about to unfold. Their second child was also diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. They eventually adopted five...
Jim is 51 years old and has Down syndrome. He lives with his mom Shirlene who at the time of his diagnosis had never met anyone with Down syndrome. At first, she was devastated. She now knows how grateful she is that Jim came into her life. Loving Your...
Krystal and Dusty were scared and hurt when they first learned that their daughter, Amnesty, had spina bifida and a heart defect. They were repeatedly encouraged to abort Amnesty and are grateful everyday they chose life. She is a great joy to their family...
Miriellys and Alex have two children. Their youngest, Aerilyn, was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 or Patau syndrome in utero. They were encouraged to terminate their pregnancy and were given a grim prognosis. They chose not to listen to their doctor and to give Aerilyn a...
It took almost three years to get an official diagnosis for their son, Smith. Beth and Bryce shared their journey to getting a diagnosis of Angelman syndrome and how it has impacted their family. Making Your Heart Grow Long Journey Towards a Diagnosis Unlike several...
Christine knew there was something different about her oldest daughter Skylynn. They first hoped she had a sensory processing disorder. However, at the age of two Skylynn was diagnosed with autism. Christine has spent every day since her diagnosis...
When Laura wasn’t meeting developmental milestones, Keven and Phyllis brought her their pediatrician. They were shocked to learn that she had polymicrogyria. Over the years they realized what an absolute joy to Laura was to have in their...
Jen and John were encouraged by medical professionals to abort Jackson after he was diagnosed with encephalocele. They chose to carry him to term and thrilled they did. Jackson is now a thriving two year old who is proving doctors don't always know best. ...
Kimberly and Bobby wanted to take no chances when they found out they were pregnant with their daughter Kyla. They previously had a child who was stillborn after being diagnosed with Trisomy 13 in utero. After receiving normal test results they thought Kyla was going...
Martin and Camille have four children. Three of which have a seizure disorder. Camille and Martin were pioneers in getting appropriate services for their children. Camille and Martin were candid about first learning about their children’s seizure disorder...
Cindy and Mike were devastated when they learned that their fifth child was going to be born with spina bifida. They were strongly encouraged to terminate the pregnancy. 30 years later they are grateful they didn’t. Evan, their son is happy his parents...
